October offers the perfect opportunities to grow your Scout unit, and with Halloween just around the corner, now is the time to tap into the excitement of the season! From parades to trick-or-treating events, fall is full of fun, family-friendly activities that can easily double as recruitment events. Here are a few ideas to help your pack or troop attract new members:
- Host a Fall “Bring a Friend” Event
Leverage the Halloween spirit by hosting a themed event that encourages current Scouts to bring a friend. Think about incorporating spooky games, costume contests, or pumpkin decorating to create an inviting, festive atmosphere. This event is not just fun—it’s a great introduction to the camaraderie of Scouting! - Trick-or-Treat with a Purpose
Trick-or-treating and Halloween parties are prime moments to reach families who may not yet be familiar with Scouting. Consider printing address labels with your unit’s information, including a meeting invitation or a QR code linking to your website, and stick them onto candy or small giveaways. It’s an easy way to spread the word while keeping the fun going. - Be Visible in Your Community
Whether it’s a Halloween parade, trunk-or-treat, or a community harvest festival, show up in uniform and hand out information about your unit. Scouts naturally draw attention, and these events can provide the perfect platform for you to engage with potential new families in a relaxed and informal setting. - Kick Off Scouting at Halloween Day
After recruiting new Scouts, invite them and their families to Camp Tuckahoe’s Halloween Day event on October 26! This is a fantastic way to start their Scouting journey, where we provide the activities, food, and fun—they just have to show up. With a pumpkin patch, costume contest, shooting ranges, and a haunted trail, it’s the perfect introduction to all the exciting adventures Scouting offers. Encourage your unit to take advantage of this event to welcome new members in a festive and engaging way.
By turning October’s festive events into recruiting opportunities, you can keep your unit thriving while making Scouting more visible in your community. So grab those pumpkins, plan a fun activity, and watch your pack or troop grow!